Research Case Studies

The MIMBLE: Legume-based feeds for severe malnutrition

The MIMBLE (Modifying Intestinal MicroBiome in severe Malnutrition with Legume-based feeds) project has looked at whether locally produced feeds containing fibres from beans, soy and sweet potatoes, can help restore African children with severe ccute malnultrition to health by providing food for beneficial gut bacteria.  

During the project, our research group developed and tested legume-based formulae, which provides similar nutritional value (protein and energy) and uses products which are grown locally, aimed at optimising gut function by ‘feeding the microbiome’. Two trials were conducted in critically sick children with severe malnutrition and both provided early indications of improved gut health and better clinical outcomes.

 

The TRACT Trial: Improving treatment for children in Africa

Clinical trials led by one of our researchers could change the way children with severe anaemia are treated in Africa. The TRACT trial looked at different blood transfusion strategies for the condition, which is common and life-threatening for children in sub-Saharan Africa. 

The trials showed that giving more blood to some children could halve the number of deaths from the condition. The results also showed that “watch and wait” was a safe strategy for some children with severe anaemia. These findings could help save lives and crucial resources.

The FEAST Trial: Children’s medicine re-evaluated

The FEAST (Fluid Expansion as Supportive Therapy) trial tested a treatment used worldwide for children in Africa who were suffering from fever and shock caused by malaria, sepsis, and other infections. Standard care in such cases has long involved treatment called "fluid resuscitation", which involves giving large amounts of fluids directly into the veins quickly within the first hour of hospital admission. 

The trial examined this approach in over 3,000 children across six hospitals in Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya. Researchers compared the effects of rapid fluid administration with slower fluid administration to determine which approach improved survival.

The study found that children who received fluids more slowly had better outcomes, with a 48-hour survival rate of over 92%, compared with 89% for those given rapid boluses. In other words, rapid fluid resuscitation led to three additional deaths for every 100 children treated.

The FEAST trial won the prestigious 2011 BMJ Research Paper of the Year award. 

Institute of Global Health Innovation

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